Protecting Your New Graduate

Summer has arrived, and
our children
have graduated high school. Some are preparing to go away for
college, and some may be going off an a backpacking trip. Have you
considered that they may need the protection that they parents may
still provide? When we think of a Power of Attorney we usually
consider those of us advancing in age, but your children can still
benefit from these forms. They are now over the age of 18, and the
law considers
them to be adults. They can make their own decisions, but
sometimes situations arise when the can't. You will no longer have
ready access to their
medical situation. Their colleges expect you to pay their tuition,
but won't grant you access to their health records.

You should recommend to your children
that they sign:

A power of attorney for health. If
your child is in an emergency, it will allow you to make medical
decisions if they cannot make the decisions themselves.

A HIPAA authorization to release
medical information to you.

A FERPA release to obtain educational
records.

Also suggested is a power of attorney
for property. This allows you to handle their financial affairs
in the unlikely they become disabled, and allows you to qualify
them for financial assistance
if necessary.

Confirm that they are covered under
your health insurance plan. Most plans allow coverage to
the age of 26.

After these papers are properly signed
and witnessed, send a copy to
the college to be placed in their file. Keep a copy for
yourself to keep for that middle of the night call.

The forms can be revoked by your
children at any time, such as when they get married.

Remember that college can be stressful,
and many mental problems do not appear until early adulthood. A
HIPAA authorization must specifically state it applies to mental
health records or it will apply only to general health records.